Interview: Danny Fry

Danny Fry first connected with house music in the early 1990s while living in South America. The sound was classic deep and funky house which laid the foundation for his signature style. Since that time, he has gone on to travel the globe gathering an abundance of experience both on and off the decks which has only served to fuel his passion for music and life.

He has had the honor of taking on residencies at many prestigious clubs such as Bali’s legendary club “Double Six” and Kuta’s preeminent “Legian 61”. Whilst in Chile he was a resident at “Whiskey Blue” and “Red 21″in Santiago at the W Hotel. He presently finds himself once again amidst the trend setters of the W Seminyak as a featured DJ of Bali’s most luxurious club “Woo Bar”, where he has supported world-class talents in the likes of Dimitri from Paris, Fritz Kalkbrenner, Simon Dunmore, DJ Fudge, Charles Webster, and the list continues to grow.

This artist has firmly established himself as one of the premiere tech-house DJs in Bali. His trademark high-energy sets have taken tourists and locals on musical odysseys that traverse through an eclectic blend of groovy deep and funky tech house beats. Having chosen the Island of the Gods as his home he continues to contribute quality music to its ever-evolving scene.

Danny Fry has become a fixture on the island and if he is not surfing its beaches or practicing martial arts in its sands you can be assured that he is either on the dance floor or in the mix conducting some controlled chaos behind the decks. On any continent, this DJ needs to be seen and heard.

What is your definition of a DJ?

Someone who refuses to grow up and get a real job

What has influenced your music the most?

My friends and the many places I’ve traveled to and lived at. It’s really cool to get together with other DJ’s in different areas and see what they are doing. Also I’d have to say the Internet and the digitalization of music, it really has changed the way everything works. The amount of music that we are exposed to now and how quickly we can attain it is outrageous.

What advice do you have for expatriates living abroad?

Never forget your roots. I think that if you spend a lot of time in a place that’s very different than where you are from, its important to hold on to the good things from your culture, while being open to the new place that you are in. It helps to keep you grounded. Also be respectful to the locals. Learn as much as you can about the culture and language. It will be a part of you forever.

How would you compare the clubbers in South America to Asia?

I think in Asia, the people seem to party more freely. Maybe that’s not right — South Americans party pretty hard, but I feel like it is more segregated there. Venues are really separated by different social classes. They have the super cheesy upper class, swanky spots, and then the dark underground artsy scene. Asia seems to be a bit more commercial, music-wise. The music has changed a lot in Bali though over the last few years, it’s definitely gotten much better.

What is an ideal night behind the decks for you?

A full dance floor of sexy people getting down to some groovy house beats. I have had some great nights at Woo Bar recently. We have an underground club beneath the bar where we play when we have parties and events. It’s really intimate, and keeps me connected with the crowd. I don’t like to play huge venues where the decks are too far from the people. I like to be right there in the thick of it, hot and drenched in it all!

Do you have any recommendations for clubbers coming to Bali?

Try a little bit of everything. Be open-minded to everything and everyone there. Hit up the swanky venues in Seminyak and go get down and dirty in Kuta! Then return back to Seminyak for some early morning mischief.

Why is it difficult playing to a transient tourist crowd?

It can be difficult only when you get a lot of people that aren’t open minded about music. The kind that even though they are traveling they want to hear the same shit they hear every day at home on the radio. Other than that I think it’s cool to play for different people all the time.

What advice do you have for novice DJs?

Don’t rely too much on the new technology early on. Start by playing with vinyl and some Technics 1200’s. Then move on to the new stuff and get creative. It’s important to know a bit of the history of it all even if it seems redundant. Play as much as you can and play whatever you want, don’t worry if it’s cool or not. If it makes you nod your head and tap your foot then that is all that matters. Try experimenting with different styles of music with different BPMs till you find your own groove.